How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

26

Sep

Ladies, are you looking for a plan to help you lose weight after pregnancy? New moms have an especially hard time losing weight because they have to pull double duty by getting in shape and looking after the new arrival. With time at a premium and fatigue at an all-time high, is post-pregnancy weight loss even a realistic goal?

Yes, it is! There are several tricks you can use to lose weight after pregnancy without collapsing from exhaustion.

Make Time for You

Every mom knows that this is easier said than done, but you have to take care of yourself if you want to take care of your loved ones. That includes taking time to get in shape. It can be difficult to find an hour a day, or even a half hour, for exercise. Try to get your spouse or a friend or relative to watch the baby while you work out. Some fitness centers have Kids’ Clubs that offer infant care. If that’s not an option, time your home workouts to coincide with the baby’s naps.

It doesn’t matter if you have an hour-long session or four 15-minute workouts each day. The total time spent working out is what’s important.

Eat Nutritious Foods

In order to lose weight after pregnancy, you’re going to need to make sure you eat an adequate number of calories each day. If you are breastfeeding, you’ll need even more.

If you don’t eat enough calories, your metabolism will slow down. It can become 20 – 30% slower than normal. Also, if you fill up on junk foods, you and your baby won’t get the best possible nourishment, and your energy level will take a nose-dive.

Eat smaller portions of food several times a day. Never go longer than 2-3 hours without eating something nutritious. Get plenty of calcium from dark green vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Calcium will kick your fat-burning metabolism into high gear. Round out your food selections with fresh fruits, lean protein, and whole grain products.

Exercise With the Baby

Weight loss doesn’t have to be a solo act. You can lose weight after pregnancy – and have lots of fun – by bringing your baby along! Join an online weight loss community to connect with other new moms in your area who might want to join you for stroller walks and swimming with the little ones. You might be able to find baby-and-me exercise classes at your local recreation center.

If you prefer to spend some one-on-one time with your baby, go for long walks while you push them in their stroller. Try to vary the locations of your walks by strolling at the zoo, the mall, a local park, or just around your neighborhood. When your baby starts walking on their own, take them to a playground and run and play like they do.

Look for Support

Support networks are so important for new moms. Many women who try to lose weight after pregnancy find that it’s just too hard to do it alone. Whether they provide babysitting service or a morale boost, friends and family can play a vital role in your success.

It’s also important to connect with other new moms who are facing the same struggles as you. Find a good community of new moms who are trying to lose weight. Read about their obstacles and how they have learned to overcome them. Then share your own tips for success. You’ll be surprised by how good it feels to know you’re not alone.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

This is another one of those tips that’s not easy for new moms to follow, but it’s important to try. Insufficient sleep can cause all sorts of physical and emotional problems. Worse, studies have shown that most people don’t get enough sleep. That’s especially true for new parents with babies who don’t yet sleep through the night.

Pregnancy is hard on the body, and the added stress that a newborn brings can leave you feeling exhausted fast. At least 3 times per week, get your spouse or a friend or relative to respond to the baby’s cries while you get 8 – 10 hours of sleep. Use ear plugs if you need to. The high-quality sleep will help you in many ways.

Breastfeeding moms might have to wait a little longer before adequate sleep becomes a regular part of life. Just catch naps when you can, and remember that, someday soon, your baby (and you) will be sleeping through the night.